Explaining Gravity and Diffusion: Contradiction or Balance?

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In summary, the concept of diffusion can be confusing as it seems to contradict gravity. However, the explanation for particles expanding is due to them being tightly packed and wanting to expand. While Newton's law of gravity may suggest that the 1x particle would attract the 5x particles with a greater force, the force of gravity between atoms is much weaker compared to the collision forces driving them apart. Therefore, gravity can be safely neglected in this scenario.
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The concept of diffusion is confusing me, as it seems to contradict gravity.

x = particles of matter with a mass of 1
| = a barrier particle x can permeate

Situation A:
xxxxx|x


(1)

Result of Situation A (tested approximately)
xxx|xxx


The explanation of this is that the particles are simply too tightly packed and want to expand.


(2)However, Newtons law of gravity would show that the 5x's would attract the 1x with a force 5 times greater than the 1x would attract the 5x's(I think). Therefore, in order to equal out(3x's per side), wouldn't the 1x need to pull twice as hard on the 5x's? Doesn't Newtons law of gravity show that the result of that experiment would tend towards the side with 5x's at least keeping all of it's particles, if not gaining the 1x?
 
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The force of gravity between atoms is way, way, way less than the collision forces driving them apart.

You can safely neglect any effect of gravity.
 

1. What is gravity and how does it work?

Gravity is a fundamental force of nature that causes objects with mass to attract each other. This force is described by Sir Isaac Newton's law of universal gravitation, which states that the strength of the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

2. How does diffusion occur?

Diffusion is the process by which particles, such as molecules or ions, move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This occurs due to the random motion of particles, also known as Brownian motion, and is driven by the principle of entropy, which states that systems tend to move towards a state of maximum disorder.

3. Are gravity and diffusion contradictory concepts?

No, gravity and diffusion are not contradictory concepts. While gravity is a force that acts on objects with mass, diffusion is a process that occurs at the molecular level. Both concepts are based on different physical laws and can coexist without contradiction.

4. How do gravity and diffusion interact with each other?

Gravity and diffusion can interact with each other in certain situations, such as in the Earth's atmosphere. Gravity causes air molecules to be pulled towards the Earth's surface, while diffusion allows these molecules to spread out and mix with other molecules in the air. This ultimately leads to the phenomenon of air pressure, where the force of gravity is balanced by the random motion of air molecules.

5. Can gravity and diffusion be balanced?

Yes, gravity and diffusion can be balanced in certain scenarios. For example, in a gas or liquid, gravity pulls particles towards the bottom of a container, while diffusion causes the particles to spread out evenly throughout the container. This results in a state of equilibrium, where the force of gravity is equal to the force of diffusion, and there is no net movement of particles.

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